Parque Natural de las Sierras de Segura y Cazorla

Even casual visitors to Parque Natural de las Sierras de Segura y Cazorla are likely to see a good variety of wildlife, including Capra hispanica (Spanish mountain goat), deer, wild pig, birds and butterflies. Ironically, though, much of the best viewing will be at the periphery, or even outside the park, since the wildlife is most successfully stalked on foot and walking opportunities within the park itself are surprisingly limited.

The main information centre inside the park is the Torre del Vinagre Centro de Interpretación (Tues–Sun 10am–2pm & 5–8pm, Oct–March 4–6pm; t953 713 017). It’s worth getting hold of a good map from here (also available from Despensa del Parque in Cazorla): the 1:100,000 map, Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla y Segura, and the 1:50,000 version, Cazorla, are recommended, but best of all is the 1:40,000 set of map and guide packs to the Sierras de Cazorla and Segura (divided into three zones), published by Editorial Alpina, which are the most accurate maps available, detailing senderos (footpaths), mountain-bike routes, refuges, campsites and hotels. In addition to the hiking routes marked on the maps above, Guy Hunter-Watts’ Walking in Andalucía details five clearly described walks in the park of between 5km and 19km.

Two daily buses link Cazorla with Coto Ríos (Mon–Fri only depart 7.15am & 2.30pm, return 9am & 4.15pm; 1hr 15min) in the middle of the park (confirm these with the bus company Carcesa on t953 721 142). Distances between points are enormous, so to explore the park well you’ll need a car or to be prepared for long treks.

There are ten official campsites throughout the park, which are accurately marked on the Editorial Alpina map. There’s more accommodation at Coto Ríos, with three privately run campsites and a succession of hostales. Before setting out, you can also get the latest update on transport, campsites and accommodation from the turismo in Cazorla.